Melina Flabiano

Obsessed with all things consumer and retail. Usually running or reading. Data and AI leader in beauty by day. Writing about consumer trends by night.

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

@dauber @2abstract4me I think companies will lean into measuring the value of a customer and giving restitution and attention commensurate with this. For example, if I don’t spend much and I’m a serial returner, it will charge me for returns. This can be defined and administered with AI tools.

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

One way we might see this evolve: a new pricing tier for services like Amazon Prime that includes agent access. As a shopper, if I want the convenience of using my agent on Amazon, I will pay more for the privilege.

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

So Amazon blocked Muse. Among the cited security concerns, Amazon is surely thinking about lost ad revenue and loss of control of the buying surface/customer experience when they allow a third party agent to transact on their site.

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

@alexkehr Agree. this is where the emerging app ecosystem in agentic tools can really shine. If a luxury hotel group creates an experience around research, discovery, sharing this friends and then hands back to the agent to book, it would be fun for consumer and good for their brand.

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

@buccocapital @treiner5 I write about this on Substack!

https://t.co/e8MS65VjHU

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

Plus, @voguebusiness agrees with me that speed is in for fall—featuring a shout out to one of my team’s omni initiatives at ELC.

https://t.co/JoPxJGIA6A

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

Check out my deep dive into on-demand delivery and it’s future for the retail industry ⚡️

[Charlotte Dunne @CharlotteDunne]

Great piece on the rise of on-demand grocery and the potential broader impact on gifting, fashion, etc. @melflab
https://t.co/Df2WaXxLjU

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

@sarah_drumm @italic does a nice job with their Facebook group!

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

I would pay extra to sit next to a dog 🤷🏻‍♀️ billion dollar pup-portunity

[Michael Martocci @MichaelMartocci]

Every airline charges $125 per dog each way

Seems like an easy oppurtunity to undercut that and become the pet-friendly airline

Partner with barkbox, chewy, etc and win the hearts of pet owners

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

My parents both got their second shot yesterday—my mom sent this ❤️😭 #GetVaccinated

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

Just gross. Support Black designers. Support independent designers.

[AB/G @bibbygregory]

GUESS Embossed Logo G-Tote / Telfar Medium Shopper:

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

@kdlafrance @ricardo_belmar @kaleighf Last one—with courier deliver becoming more common, brands can deliver multiple sizes to the customer and let them try on live and immediately send back what doesn’t work. Net a porter has this!

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

@kdlafrance @ricardo_belmar @kaleighf I liked how Jet back in the day gave people a few $ credit if they gave up right to free returns.

I also think apparel brands should build logic to identify when customers have the same item in multiple sizes in their cart and message around that—eg remove free return option.

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

@heyitsalexP Yes good point! I’m curious how much of the stuff on TRR is direct from retailers...I’m guessing a big %

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

Very intrigued by the launch of M.M. LaFleur's in-house resale platform, Second Act.

More brands are taking control of their aftermarket--it's a way to drive loyalty, extend CLV, and build sustainability credentials.

https://t.co/rn3LkyizPx

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

Browsing second act, I’m surprised at the prices. “Recycled” dresses are $120-$150.

I love this concept, but I doubt buyers will bite when they can go to Thredup or a traditional thrift store and find a ton of work-friendly options for less.

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

I wrote about the future of resale earlier this year: https://t.co/zMVf2fpAvX

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

@corianda @krishoet So interesting! Feels like instructor-specific merch is a big opportunity for them-their apparel so far is kind of meh

[Melina Flabiano @melflab]

@web So true! My Brooklyn WF is almost impossible to navigate now.

My prediction is we’ll see WF and others divide their stores into smaller local markets focused on experience and dark stores for couriers/delivery/pickup.